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Nanotechnology plays a promising role in biomedical applications, particularly tissue engineering. Recently, the application of magnetic scaffolds and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) exposure has been considered in bone tissue regeneration. In this study, 3rd generation dendrimer-modified superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (G3-SPIONs) are synthesized comprehensively characterized. Magnetic polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers are prepared by incorporating G3-SPIONs within the electrospinning process ,and physicochemical characteristics ,as well as cytocompatibility and cell attachment are assessed. Eventually, the osteogenic differentiation ability of adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) cultured on the magnetic scaffold with and without PEMF exposure was investigated by measurement of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium content. The expression of specific bone markers was studied using the Real-time PCR method. According to the results, G3-SPIONs with mean size and zeta potential of 17.95 ± 3.57 nm and 22.7 mV, respectively, show a high saturation magnetization (57.75 emu/g). Adding G3-SPIONs to PCL significantly decrease nanofibers size to 495±144 nm and improves cell attachment and growth. The ADMSCs cultured on the G3-SPION-PCL scaffold in the presence of osteogenic media (OM) and exposure to PEMF expressed the highest Osteocalcin and Runx2 and showed higher calcium content as well as ALP activity. It can be concluded that the synthesized G3-SPION incorporated PCL nanofibers serve as a promising magnetic scaffold for bone regeneration. Also, utilizing the magnetic scaffold in the presence of OM and PEMF provides a synergistic effect toward osteogenic differentiation of ADMSCs. Key Words: Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, Dendrimer, Polycaprolactone, Pulsed electromagnetic field, Bone tissue engineering

Pushrim-activated power-assisted wheel (PAPAW) users ideally require different levels of assistance depending on activity and preference. Therefore, it is important to design and develop adaptive PAPAW controllers to account for these differences. The main objective of this work was to integrate a user intention estimation framework into a PAPAW and develop personalized adaptive controllers. We performed experiments to gather kinetics of wheelchair propulsion for a variety of daily life wheelchair activities. The propulsion characteristics (i.e., pushrim forces) were used to train intention estimation models and characterize implicit user intentions when performing daily life wheelchair maneuvers. These intentions included moving straight forward, performing a right/left turn, and braking. The intention estimation framework, based on random forest classification algorithms and kinetic features, was implemented and tested in our laboratory-developed PAPAW. This computationally efficient framework was successfully implemented and tested for each participant in real-time. Our results revealed that the real-time user intention predictions were similar to the offline models. The power-assist ratio of each wheel was adjusted based on which user intention was identified. Data collected from four participants provided evidence regarding the effectiveness of using adaptive intention-based controllers. For instance, the propulsion effort was significantly reduced when using an adaptive PAPAW controller. Subjective views of participants regarding the workload of wheelchair propulsion (e.g., physical/cognitive effort) were also gathered. Our findings suggest that rankings of different controllers varied among different participants and across different wheelchair maneuvers, indicating the need for customized adaptive controllers to fit different users' activities and preferences.

Pushrim-activated power-assisted wheels (PAPAWs) are assistive technologies that provide on-demand propulsion assistance to wheelchair users. In this study, we aimed to develop an adaptive PAPAW controller that responds effectively to changes in environmental conditions (e.g., type of surface or terrain). Experiments were conducted to collect kinematics of wheelchair motion using a frame-mounted inertial measurement unit (IMU) while performing a variety of wheelchair activities on different indoor/outdoor terrains. Statistical characteristics of velocity and acceleration measurements were extracted and used to develop a terrain classification framework to identify certain indoor and outdoor terrains. The terrain classification framework, based on random forest classification algorithms and kinematic features, was implemented and tested in our laboratory-developed PAPAW. This computationally efficient terrain classification framework was successfully implemented and tested in real-time. The power-assist ratio of each wheel was adjusted based on the type of terrain (e.g., more assistance was provided on outdoor terrains). Our findings revealed that propulsion effort (e.g., peak input torque) on asphalt was significantly reduced when using adaptive controllers compared to conventional PAPAW controllers. In addition, subjective views of participants regarding the workload of wheelchair propulsion (e.g., physical/cognitive effort) supported the positive effects of adaptive PAPAW controllers. We believe that the adoption of terrain-specific adaptive controllers has the potential to improve the accessibility of outdoor terrains and to prevent or delay upper extremity joint degeneration or pain.

Although polymeric membrane has superior properties, its applications in biomedical and food industrial fields are minimal. Biofouling is a significant concern in the membrane, created from particular interactions between the membrane and untreated water content. This research showed that a careful superhydrophilic modification of polyethersulfone membrane could address those drawbacks that have hindered their utility. Hence, a combination of chemical and physical modification showed far-reaching effects on surface behavior, affecting manifold aspects of its bacterial attachment, protein adsorption resistance, and hydrophilicity. The contact angle measurement results decreased from 30° to 0° in 26 s, and surface free energy increased by 33%, demonstrating the shifting surface wettability behavior toward the Superhydrophilicity. Besides, increasing the average surface roughness on the nanoscale and forming 70-110 nm jagged structures results in a marked reduction in protein adsorption, bacterial adhesion, and biofouling formation, confirmed by the results of Flow cytometry analysis and microtiter plate assay. An improved understanding of antifouling and antibacterial properties will greatly assist in food industries since it can be applied to enhance the durability of food and chemical materials. This is important as it gives us a simple way of improving packing reliability, reducing costs and amounts of undesirable waste products.

Pushrim-activated power-assisted wheels (PAPAWs) are assistive technologies that use force sensor data to provide on-demand propulsion assistance to manual wheelchair users. However, available data about kinetic and kinematic of PAPAW use are mainly limited to experiments performed on a treadmill or using a dynamometer. In this work, we performed experiments to gather kinetics of wheelchair propulsion and kinematics of wheelchair motion for a variety of over-ground wheelchair maneuvers with a manual wheelchair with and without PAPAWs. Our findings revealed that using PAPAWs can significantly reduce the propulsion effort and push frequency. Both linear and angular velocities of the wheelchair were significantly increased when using PAPAWs. Less force and push frequency could potentially reduce risk of chronic upper limb injury. Higher linear velocity could be desirable for various daily life activities, however, the increase in the angular velocity could lead to unintended deviations from a desired path. Future research could investigate PAPAW controllers that amplify the desired intentions of users while mitigating any unwanted behaviours.

Pushrim-activated power-assisted wheels (PAPAWs) are power add-ons that can provide propulsion assistance to manual wheelchair users. These assistive devices operate based on a collaborative control scheme, in which the wheelchair user is an integral part of the control framework. In this work, we aimed to develop a user-centred PAPAW controller that can estimate implicit user intentions (i.e., states of wheelchair motion) and provide adaptive torque assistance accordingly. The proposed framework consists of a data-driven intention-inference module as well as a torque-based controller with adaptive gains. Experiments were conducted to collect kinetic and kinematic data for a variety of common wheelchair activities. Kinetic measurements were used with probabilistic algorithms to develop a user intention estimation model. After the user intent was determined from dynamic user-pushrim interactions, the assistance torque was regulated by adjusting the controller gain to reflect user intent. We evaluated the performance of the intention-based controller in simulation and compared its performance with previously developed PAPAW controllers. We used kinetic and kinematic data from experimental measurements and system identification methods to derive the dynamic model of the user-wheelchair system which was used for evaluation purposes. The outcome of our evaluations showed that using an intention-based controller can reduce unwanted wheelchair deviations from the desired path. User experiments should be conducted to validate these simulation outcomes and verify the clinical relevance of using this intention-based controller.

Pushrim-activated power-assisted wheels (PAPAWs) are assistive technologies that provide on-demand assistance to wheelchair users. PAPAWs operate based on a collaborative control scheme and require an accurate interpretation of the user’s intent to provide effective propulsion assistance. This paper investigates a user-specific intention estimation framework for wheelchair users. We used Gaussian Mixture models (GMM) to identify implicit intentions from user-pushrim interactions (i.e., input torque to the pushrims). Six clusters emerged that were associated with different phases of a stroke pattern and the intention about the desired direction of motion. GMM predictions were used as "ground truth" labels for further intention estimation analysis. Next, Random Forest (RF) classifiers were trained to predict user intentions. The best optimal classifier had an overall prediction accuracy of 94.7%. Finally, a Bayesian filtering (BF) algorithm was used to extract sequential dependencies of the user-pushrim measurements. The BF algorithm improved sequences of intention predictions for some wheelchair maneuvers compared to the GMM and RF predictions. The proposed intention estimation pipeline is computationally efficient and was successfully tested and used for real-time prediction of wheelchair user’s intentions. This framework provides the foundation for the development of user-specific and adaptive PAPAW controllers.

Neuroregeneration strategies involve multiple factors to stimulate nerve regeneration. Neural support with chemical and physical cues to optimize neural growth and replacing the lesion neuron and axons are crucial for designing neural scaffolds, which is a promising treatment approach. In this study, polypyrrole polymerization and its functionalization at the interface developed by glycine and gelatin for further optimization of cellular response. Nanofibrous scaffolds were fabricated by electrospinning of polyvinyl alcohol and chitosan solutions. The electrospun scaffolds were polymerized on the surface by pyrrole monomers to form an electroactive interface for further applications in neural tissue engineering. The polymerized polypyrrole showed a positive zeta potential value of 57.5 ± 5.46 mV. The in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility of the glycine and gelatin-functionalized polypyrrole-coated scaffolds were evaluated. No inflammatory cells were observed for the implanted scaffolds. Further, DAPI nucleus staining showed a superior cell attachment on the gelatin-functionalized polypyrrole-coated scaffolds. The topography and tuned positively charged polypyrrole interface with gelatin functionalization is expected to be particularly efficient physical and chemical simultaneous factors for promoting neural cell adhesion.

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are a well-explored class of nanomaterials known for their high magnetization and biocompatibility. They have been used in various biomedical applications such as drug delivery, biosensors, hyperthermia, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent. It is necessary to surface modify the nanoparticles with a biocompatible moiety to prevent their agglomeration and enable them to target to the defined area. Dendrimers have attracted considerable attention due to their small size, monodispersed, well-defined globular shape, and a relative ease incorporation of targeting ligands. In this study, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized via a coprecipitation method. The magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) had been modified with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane, and then polyamidoamine functionalized MNPs had been synthesized cycling. Various characterization techniques had been used to reveal the morphology, size, and structure of the nanoparticles such as scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction analysis, and vibrating sample magnetometer, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and zeta potential measurements. In addition, the cytotoxicity property of G3-dendrimer functionalized MNPs were evaluated using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay which confirmed the biocompatibility of the nanocomposites. Dendrimer functionalized MNPs are able to act as contrast agents for MRI and magnetic fluid hyperthermia mediators. A superior heat generation was achieved for the given concentration according to the hyperthermia results. MRI results show that the synthesized nanocomposites are a favorable option for MRI contrast agent. We believe that these dendrimer functionalized MNPs have the potential of integrating therapeutic and diagnostic functions in a single carrier.

We evaluated perceived autonomy among users of different types of wheeled mobility assistive devices (WMADs) across five environments and identified the effect on user autonomy due to specific device characteristics. A study-specific questionnaire was used to assess satisfaction with autonomy of WMAD users in the Home, Buildings Outside of the Home, Outdoor Built, Outdoor Natural Environment, and Transportation. For each environment, 15 contextual factors were rated for their impact on participants' autonomy. Our results revealed that manual wheelchair with add-on (MWC+AO) users had higher overall satisfaction with their autonomy compared to other WMAD users. MWC+AO users reported higher satisfaction with autonomy due to their health conditions compared to other WMAD users across all environments. In Outdoor Natural Environments, MWC+AO users had the highest satisfaction with autonomy across all factors except for negotiating hills. When performing activities in Buildings, MWC users with and without add-ons reported higher satisfaction for all factors compared to power wheelchair users, except for maneuverability on different surfaces. Satisfaction with autonomy regarding contextual factors varied among WMAD users, however, MWC+AO(s) appeared to provide a more balanced sense of autonomy across most factors and environments. More in-depth investigations are required to evaluate impacts of add-on use on autonomy.

To evaluate and compare the perceived autonomy of people using wheeled mobility assistive devices (WMADs) in five community-based environments. To evaluate how personal, environmental, and assistive device-related factors impact the perceived autonomy of WMAD users. A study-specific questionnaire was used to evaluate perceived satisfaction of WMAD users with their autonomy in five environments: the Home Environment, Buildings Outside of the Home Environment, Outdoor Built Environment, Outdoor Natural Environment, and Transportation. For each environment, participants rated their satisfaction with autonomy about 15 personal, environmental, and assistive device-related factors. Qualitative perceptions were also collected with open-ended questions. Participants included 123 full- and part-time community-dwelling WMAD users. Participants’ overall satisfaction with autonomy in the Outdoor Natural Environment was statistically significantly lower compared to the other four environments (p WMAD users reported the greatest restriction to their autonomy in outdoor environments. Different context-specific factors were found to impact autonomy in different environments. Understanding how environment-specific contextual factors contribute to overall perception of autonomy may inform the development of future strategies to overcome identified limitations and challenges.Implications for RehabilitationWheeled mobility assistive device (WMAD) users experienced the highest autonomy in their home environments, specifically, when having access to home modification services.WMAD users had the lowest autonomy in the outdoor natural environment, with manoeuvrability on different terrains being the main predictor of the overall satisfaction with autonomy in this environment.Environment-specific contextual factors with significant impacts on perceived autonomy were identified that can inform the design and development of future WMADs (e.g., distance travelled, safety). Wheeled mobility assistive device (WMAD) users experienced the highest autonomy in their home environments, specifically, when having access to home modification services. WMAD users had the lowest autonomy in the outdoor natural environment, with manoeuvrability on different terrains being the main predictor of the overall satisfaction with autonomy in this environment. Environment-specific contextual factors with significant impacts on perceived autonomy were identified that can inform the design and development of future WMADs (e.g., distance travelled, safety).

The study had three main objectives. (1) To investigate the perceived impact of power-assist devices (PADs) on manual wheelchair (MWC) user mobility. (2) To compare perceptions about different types of PADs. (3) To identify preferred features and design characteristics of PADs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with community-dwelling MWC users aged 31 years and older, with at least 2.5 years of experience using an MWC independently (n = 16). Data were thematically analysed using an inductive approach. Two main themes related to participants’ perceptions about the effects of PAD use were identified: (1) “Expanding my world”, which illustrated the perceived benefits of using PADs (e.g., gaining a sense of autonomy and access to new environments, maintaining physical health) and (2) “Falling short”, which described challenges with PADs (e.g., safety, reliability and portability issues). Participants also identified strengths and limitations of different types of PADs that were mainly related to specific user–device and device–environment interactions as well as various functional characteristics. Moreover, participants outlined their priorities for future PAD design, including improving controllability, customizability and affordability of these devices. Participants’ perceptions about PADs varied across different types of devices and in different contexts. However, PADs were generally perceived as enhancing the capabilities of MWCs. Our findings provide insight into the factors that can be considered when selecting a PAD and can inform the development of future PADs that are better equipped to overcome challenges that MWC users frequently encounter.Implications for RehabilitationPower-assist devices (PADs) for manual wheelchairs (MWCs) have the potential to improve the mobility, community participation and well-being of users.Some of the existing PADs have safety and reliability issues that affect their performance and limit their use by MWC users.The three types of PADs (front-mounted attachments, rear-mounted attachments, powered wheels) offer different types of assistance that can benefit users with various capabilities. Power-assist devices (PADs) for manual wheelchairs (MWCs) have the potential to improve the mobility, community participation and well-being of users. Some of the existing PADs have safety and reliability issues that affect their performance and limit their use by MWC users. The three types of PADs (front-mounted attachments, rear-mounted attachments, powered wheels) offer different types of assistance that can benefit users with various capabilities.

Nanotechnology plays a promising role in biomedical applications, particularly tissue engineering. Recently, the application of magnetic scaffolds and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) exposure has been considered in bone tissue regeneration. In this study, 3rd generation dendrimer-modified superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (G3-SPIONs) are synthesized comprehensively characterized. Magnetic polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers are prepared by incorporating G3-SPIONs within the electrospinning process ,and physicochemical characteristics ,as well as cytocompatibility and cell attachment are assessed. Eventually, the osteogenic differentiation ability of adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) cultured on the magnetic scaffold with and without PEMF exposure was investigated by measurement of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium content. The expression of specific bone markers was studied using the Real-time PCR method. According to the results, G3-SPIONs with mean size and zeta potential of 17.95 ± 3.57 nm and 22.7 mV, respectively, show a high saturation magnetization (57.75 emu/g). Adding G3-SPIONs to PCL significantly decrease nanofibers size to 495±144 nm and improves cell attachment and growth. The ADMSCs cultured on the G3-SPION-PCL scaffold in the presence of osteogenic media (OM) and exposure to PEMF expressed the highest Osteocalcin and Runx2 and showed higher calcium content as well as ALP activity. It can be concluded that the synthesized G3-SPION incorporated PCL nanofibers serve as a promising magnetic scaffold for bone regeneration. Also, utilizing the magnetic scaffold in the presence of OM and PEMF provides a synergistic effect toward osteogenic differentiation of ADMSCs. Key Words: Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, Dendrimer, Polycaprolactone, Pulsed electromagnetic field, Bone tissue engineering

Pushrim-activated power-assisted wheels (PAPAWs) are assistive technologies that provide on-demand assistance to wheelchair users. PAPAWs operate based on a collaborative control scheme. Therefore, they rely on accurate interpretation of the user’s intent to provide effective propulsion assistance. This paper presents a learning-based approach to predict wheelchair users’ intention when performing a variety of wheelchair activities. We obtained kinematic and kinetic data from manual wheelchair users when performing standard wheelchair activities such as turns and ascents. Our measurements revealed variability in physical capabilities and propulsion habits of different users, therefore, highlighting the need for the development of personalized intention inference models. We used Gaussian Mixture models to label different phases of user-pushrim interactions based on individual user’s wheeling behaviour. Supervised classifiers were trained with each user’s data and these models were used to predict the user’s intentions during different propulsion activities. We found random forest classifiers had high accuracy (>92%) in predicting different states of individual-specific wheelchair propulsion and user intent for 2 participants. This proposed framework is computationally efficient and can be used for real-time prediction of wheelchair users’ intention. The outcome of this clustering-classification pipeline provides relevant information for designing user-specific and adaptive PAPAW controllers.

Pushrim-activated power-assisted wheels (PAPAWs) are assistive technologies that provide on-demand torque assistance to wheelchair users. Although the available power can reduce the physical load of wheelchair propulsion, it may also cause maneuverability and controllability issues. Commercially-available PAPAW controllers are insensitive to environmental changes, leading to inefficient and/or unsafe wheelchair movements. In this regard, adaptive velocity/torque control strategies could be employed to improve safety and stability. To investigate this objective, we propose a context-aware sensory framework to recognize terrain conditions. In this paper, we present a learning-based terrain classification framework for PAPAWs. Study participants performed various maneuvers consisting of common daily-life wheelchair propulsion routines on different indoor and outdoor terrains. Relevant features from wheelchair frame-mounted gyroscope and accelerometer measurements were extracted and used to train and test the proposed classifiers. Our findings revealed that a one-stage multi-label classification framework has a higher accuracy performance compared to a two-stage classification pipeline with an indoor-outdoor classification in the first stage. We also found that, on average, outdoor terrains can be classified with higher accuracy (90%) compared to indoor terrains (65%). This framework can be used for real-time terrain classification applications and provide the required information for an adaptive velocity/torque controller design.

This study uses two-stage team quizzes to assess differences in team decision-making based on the factors gender and nationality. Over 200 teams in two different engineering design courses delivered using Team-Based Learning across five years were considered. In the two-stage quizzes, individuals first committed to their own answers, and then the team discussed the same questions and answered as a group. Cases where an individual was incorrect and the team adopted that same incorrect answer were used as a measure of influence of that individual on team decision-making (i.e., “pushing” behaviour by the individual). Similarly, cases where an individual was correct but the team adopted a different (incorrect) answer were used as a measure of lack of influence (i.e., “switching” behaviour by the individual). Overall, no significant gender or nationality differences were found in pushing behaviours. Male students and international students were found to be more likely to engage in switching behaviours. The overall differences in switching were modest (0.3-0.4% difference per question), but this translates to between 5 and 15 more male/international students engaging in switching behaviours in a typical 75- to 150-student course.

Shyness, low self-esteem, and fear of peer/instructor’s judgment are among the common factors hindering students’ participation (e.g., asking/answering questions) in classrooms. In this regard, anonymous response systems such as iClickers have been used to improve students’ engagement in classroom activities. Although iClickers can enhance students’ participation, they promote one-way interactions only (i.e., students answering questions). Online interaction platforms are alternatives to traditional clickers that provide more flexibility for students and allow them to answer/ask questions in real-time. In this study, we investigated the use of an online tool that allows for real-time presentation of the lecture’s slides integrated with an audience interaction platform for anonymous classroom participation. The findings of our study provide evidence regarding the positive impacts of using this tool (e.g., improved classroom participation through asking questions and voting in polls) in an undergraduate Mechanical Engineering Design course. We discuss the potential improvements that can be made to the implementation of this approach in future courses to enhance students engagement when using this interactive tool.

Lower limb exoskeletons (LLEs) are susceptible to falls, and users are at risk of head and/or hip injuries. To address concerns regarding the safety of LLE users, optimization techniques were used to study safe-fall control strategies. Simulation results of these studies showed promising performance that leads to head impact avoidance and mitigation of hip impact velocity. The motivation for the current research was to extend the application of previously developed optimization techniques to study more realistic human-LLE fall conditions. We examined a range of feasible fall durations for the human-LLE model and found the optimal fall duration for which the user’s safety is maximized. Next, we used a range of coefficients of friction to examine fall strategies on different ground surface conditions. We found that the effectiveness of a safe-fall strategy is higher when falling on less slippery surfaces compared to more slippery ones. The simulation results were implemented in a half-scale physical model of a three-link inverted pendulum, which represented a human-LLE model. Results of our experiments verified that the optimal safe-fall strategy could be implemented in a mechanical test setup. The hip linear velocity at impact was found to have similar values in both the experimental (2.04 m/s) and simulation results (2.09 m/s). Further studies should be conducted with appropriate software and hardware platforms to successfully implement safe-fall strategies in an actual LLE.

There has been a growth in the design and use of power assist devices for manual wheelchairs (MWCs) to alleviate the physical load of MWC use. A pushrim-activated power-assisted wheel (PAPAW) is an example of a power assist device that replaces the conventional wheel of a MWC. Although the use of PAPAWs provides some benefits to MWC users, it can also cause difficulties in maneuvering the wheelchair. In this research, we examined the characteristics of wheelchair propulsion when using manual and powered wheels. We used the left and right wheels’ angular velocity to calculate the linear and angular velocity of the wheelchair. Results of this analysis revealed that the powered wheel’s controller is not optimally designed to reflect the intentions of a wheelchair user. To address some of the challenges with coordinating the pushes on PAPAWs, we proposed the design of a user-intention detection framework. We used the kinematic data of MWC experiments and tested six supervised learning algorithms to classify one of four movements: “not moving”, “moving straight forward”, “turning left”, and “turning right”. We found that all the classification algorithms determined the type of movement with high accuracy and low computation time. The proposed intention detection framework can be used in the design of learning-based controllers for PAPAWs that take into account the individualized characteristics of wheelchair users. Such a system may improve the experience of PAPAW users.

In this study, least squares support vector machine (LS-SVM) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) as intelligent methods combined with spectrophotometry method, were used for determination of Sofosbuvir (SOF) and Ledipasvir (LED) in synthetic mixtures and Harvoni tablet simultaneously. In the LS-SVM method, Radial Basis Function (RBF) was used as kernel function. Then, the regularization parameter (γ) and Bandwidth (2) were optimized and root mean square error prediction (RMSE) was 0.4164, 0.6033 for SOF and LED respectively. Afterwards, Feed-forward back-propagation network with different training algorithms was used in artificial neural network method. These training algorithms compared with each other for selecting the best model. On the other hand, radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) was applied as an efficient network. Finally, these methods were compared to the high- performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as a reference method. According to one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test at the 95 % confidence level, there were no significant differences between LS-SVM, ANN and reference methods.

Robert Bly and Leonard Lewisohn are among the latest translators of Ḥāfiẓ who have selectively translated thirty ghazals of Ḥāfiẓ into English. A close investigation of their translation reveals how they have manipulated the original texts to a great extent which results in having merely a mystical interpretation of Ḥāfiẓ’s multi-layered poems. However, due to the literary form of Ḥāfiẓ’s poetry which is ghazal, it can be in praise of different issues such as nature, youth, beloved, loveliness, etc.; in Bly and Lewisohn’s translation, most of them have been ascribed to divinity. In other words, by means of translation, they have rendered their own worldview along with their personal reading of Ḥāfiẓ’s poetry. The authors argue that Bly and Lewisohn’s translation renders a mystical reading of Ḥāfiẓ’s poetry and presents him as a moral preacher whose poetry is saturated with mysticism and Sufism. Being highly against the American society’s materialism, by introducing Ḥāfiẓ as a mystic and insisting on mystical and spiritual interpretation of his poetry they intend to survive their society from corruption and cater to the moral and spiritual needs of the target culture. Since American literature compared to Persian literature, lacks some repertoire related to mysticism thus Lewisohn and Bly, by means of translation try to provide their culture with a sort of nourishment in order to contribute to the amendment of the society.

Partial least squares (PLS), different families of continuous wavelet transform (CWT), and first derivative spectrophotometry (DS) techniques were studied for quantification of Sofosbuvir (SFB) and Ledipasvir (LDV) simultaneously without separation step. The components were dissolved in Acetonitrile and the spectral behaviors were evaluated in the range of 200 to 400nm. The ultraviolet (UV) absorbance of LDV exhibits no interferences between 300 and 400nm and it was decided to predict the LDV amount through the classic spectrophotometry (CS) method in this spectral region as well. Data matrix of concentrations and calibrated models were developed, and then by applying a validation set the accuracy and precision of each model were studied. Actual concentrations versus predicted concentrations plotted and good correlation coefficients by each method resulted. Pharmaceutical dosage form was quantified by developed methods and the results were compared with the High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) reference method. Analysis Of Variance (ANOVA) in 95% confidence level showed no significant differences among methods.

Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifoliaScop. Syn.Onobrychis sativaL.) is a bloat-safe forage crop with high levels of tannins, which is renowned for its medicinal qualities in grazing animals. Mutagenesis technique was applied to investigate the influence of gamma irradiation at 30, 60, 90, and 120 Gy on mitotic behavior,in vitrogrowth factors, phytochemical and nutritional constituents of sainfoin. Although a percentage of plant necrosis and non-growing seed were enhanced by irradiation increment, the germination speed was significantly decreased. It was observed that gamma irradiated seeds had higher value of crude protein and dry matter digestibility compared to control seeds. Toxicity of copper was reduced in sainfoin irradiated seeds at different doses of gamma rays. Anthocyanin content also decreased in inverse proportion to irradiation intensity. Accumulation of phenolic and flavonoid compounds was enhanced by gamma irradiation exposure in leaf cells. HPLC profiles differed in peak areas of the two important alkaloids, Berberine and Sanguinarine, in 120 Gy irradiated seeds compared to control seeds. There were positive correlations between irradiation dose and some abnormality divisions such as laggard chromosome, micronucleus, binucleated cells, chromosome bridge, and cytomixis. In reality, radiocytological evaluation was proven to be essential in deducing the effectiveness of gamma irradiation to induce somaclonal variation in sainfoin.